Fraser River

The Fraser river extends about 800 miles inland from the gulf of Georgia and is home to one of the largest Salmon runs in the world. More than 300 species of birds make their home here.

Needless to say the role of the pilot is extremely important from an environmental point of view. Along with environmental considerations the  economic impact of keeping our ports open is fundamental to Canada's success as a trading nation. Approximately  80% of our goods are for export and most of that moves by ships.

Each year millions of tonnes of silt flows down the river after the spring "freshet" (snow melt), most of which deposits in the deep waters of the Gulf of Georgia. Unfortunately about one to two million tonnes settle in the deep sea channel of the Fraser. This requires continual dredging to keep the channel clear for ships as well as keep hundreds of thousands of nearby residents safe from flooding.

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